Memories of Mrs. Arthuretta "Mama Retta" Leona Holmes-Martin | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Mrs. Arthuretta "Mama Retta" Leona Holmes-Martin

Woodbridge, VA, USA

February 8, 1958 - July 3, 2021

Feb 8, 1958 - Jul 3, 2021

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Raymond Henderson

East Potomac Park, Ohio Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, USA

We decided to go on a spring picnic in East Potomac Park along the Potomac River. We had the traditional picnic tablecloth and we spread the healthy food out and we relaxed with general conversation . We both enjoyed those moments we spent together. Arthuretta was a precious person to get to know and such a beautiful woman to be in her presence. I always loved photographing her and capturing her magnificent beauty. As night fell we were leaving the park Arthuretta noticed the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Monument in distance drenched and in the Park lights, Arthuretta suggested that I should take my camera and capture this beautiful image that was presented to us that night.

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JO ANNE CLARK BOOKER

We sang on the Full Gospel AME Zion Choir together, which, later became From the Heart Church Ministries Choir. We met again, on the Rankin Chapel Choir at Howard University. So, when she learned of my transportation issues, she, weekly, would come from over an hour away, leaving home 2 hours early, to stop by my home, for me.

We shared so much! She always wanted me to become a part of her story-telling group. I wish I knew how to contact them.

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kwanza Brewer

Peace and blessings, thank you Makeda and family for this memory website. I first met Arthuretta at the National Association of Black Storytellers Inc festival and conference. She was like a mother to me...we shared stories with each other like we had known each other for years. Coming from Cleveland,Ohio to the NABS festival I was embraced by every moment. Arthuretta was one of the storytellers that I look foward to seeing each year at the festival. She encouraged me after I became President and was a beautiful mentor along the way. I love these pictures and videos. One day I would love to meet you Makeda if possible join us at the NABS festival in Buffalo New York in October. The details are on the website. May God Bless and keep you...Sis Kwanza Brewer

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Please consider a donation to RASR (Resolution Addressing Systematic Racism).

$4,031.00

total raised

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Edwina Johnson

Happy belated heavenly birthday. Missed but certainly not forgotten 😘❤️🎉🎈🍾🎁🎂.

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Winny Parks

Arthuretta was more like a sister to me for over 30 years and I miss her like crazy; our long talks, girl-cations, and gut-busting laughs! It's been a year, and it still feels so surreal. Continue to fly high, beautiful queen!💜👸🏾💜

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Winny Parks

Edwina Johnson

It’s been a year and you will continue to be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with your family ❤️🙏🏽

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Winny Parks

Avis D Matthews

I know her children through her proud and humble boasts. We met in the Heritage Signature Chorale, and we became like-minded friends on Facebook. 💛 So humanitarian she was...so caring. Rest in complete peace. Your light still shines....

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Katherine White

2021, Friday Power Lunch

Arthuretta is coming to lunch!

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Yolanda Bell

Katherine White

I'm so sorry for the loss of Arthuretta. I first met her when she performed as Nannie Helen Burroughs to enlighten the audience about the black suffragists and their leading role in the fight for the vote. Then later, we had the pleassure of working with her in her leadership role in Resolutions Addressing Systemic Racism (RASR) and the African American Redress Network (AARN). She was to perform on our show the Friday Power Lunch - and fell ill. We prayed for her recovery. God bless her and keep her.

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Yolanda Bell

Jeri Mae Rowley

2018

Arthuretta Chairs the National Speakers Association: DC Chapter's first-ever online auction.

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Yolanda Bell

Comments:

Jeri Mae Rowley

Arthuretta was a treasured member of the National Speakers Association: DC Metro Chapter. In this photo ... Read more Arthuretta was a treasured member of the National Speakers Association: DC Metro Chapter. In this photo she's giving directions... Read more Arthuretta was a treasured member of the National Speakers... Read more

John Saunders - CIMPAD

Dear Makeda and the Martin Family,

This contribution represents donations made by individual CIMPAD board members and an amount authorized by the board totaling $1,125.00 in honor of our dear friend and colleague Arthuretta. She contributed much to the establishment and growth of CIMPAD and she will be long remembered. You have our deepest condolences and our continuing prayers for comfort and blessing.

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Yolanda Bell

Maurice A. Louis Threatt

Bill Grimmette

My condolences to Arthuretta's family. I first met Arthuretta when we were creating the storytelling group NCABSA [National Capital Area Black Storyteller's Association] together in 2016. We were trying to get it operational for the Grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture [NMAAHC] and we did. It is with great sadness that I learned of this passing so late. My deep condolences to the family and may the blessings of eternity console you at this moment.

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Yolanda Bell

Makeda Martin

Please see my mother's memorial service link!

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Yolanda Bell

Raymond Henderson

Comments:

Jeri Mae Rowley

Thank you so much, Makeda, for posting this video. You and your family created a beautiful, loving tribute... Read more Thank you so much, Makeda, for posting this video. You and your family created a beautiful, loving tribute to your mom. Thank you so much, Makeda, for posting this video. ... Read more

Theresa Watson

Sending my Condolences to the family! Mrs. Arthuretta was amazing singer! I truly enjoyed our time in Chapel Choir! I will definitely miss seeing her smile!

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Makeda Martin

This is the video tribute for my mom that was shown at her celebration of life memorial.

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Raymond Henderson

JO ANNE CLARK-BOOKER

Comments:

Aliyah Khan

Thanks for posting but the link to the video or the video itself is not showing up. Thanks for posting but the link to the video or the video itself is not showing up. Thanks for posting but the link to the video or the... Read more

JO ANNE CLARK-BOOKER

I was able to view it on YOUTUBE. YOUR BROTHERS AND YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB! I was able to view it on YOUTUBE. YOUR BROTHERS AND YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB! I was able to view it on YOUTUBE. YOUR BROTHERS AND... Read more

Jeri Mae Rowley

Makeda: I would like to view the tribute video but don't see a link. She and I were in leadership of the... Read more Makeda: I would like to view the tribute video but don't see a link. She and I were in leadership of the National Speakers ... Read more Makeda: I would like to view the tribute video but... Read more

Makeda Martin

I have corrected that video tribute link! Hope you are able to see it now. I have corrected that video tribute link! Hope you are able to see it now. I have corrected that video tribute link! Hope you ... Read more

Tanya Ward Jordan

Shared a heart

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Yolanda Bell

Kim Washington

I knew this sweet soul for a short time and in that short time I know she was ready & willing to help those who were wronged. She has a beautiful smile . Rest in peace with the Lord.

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Yolanda Bell

Lecia Waller

We are so sorry about the passing of our beloved Arthuretta. She was the reason my husband and I met and married. We enjoyed many great times and are the proud godparents to Makeda. We love this family and will keep you all in our prayers. Henry and Lecia Waller

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Raymond Henderson

Yolanda Bell

Jessica Robinson

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Yolanda Bell

Jessica Robinson

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Yolanda Bell

Raymond Henderson

On June 22 morning I sent Arthuretta a good morning message like I have done many mornings in the past and she returned the message saying Good morning Raymond. Thank you for the morning greeting. And that night she sent a good night message. Little did I know that would be the last time I would hear from my friend Arthuretta Holmes Martin. Safe journey my friend.

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Yolanda Bell

Iris Auset Reid

Shared a heart

Raymond Henderson

2013, Raleigh, NC, USA

Black storyteller event

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Yolanda Bell

Raymond Henderson

2013, Raleigh, NC, USA

Black storyteller event

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Yolanda Bell

Comments:

Raymond Henderson

Relaxing at the hotel after storytelling about the fabulous Marian Anderson. Wow, Arthuretta could really... Read more Relaxing at the hotel after storytelling about the fabulous Marian Anderson. Wow, Arthuretta could really sing 🎶 like a songbird.... Read more Relaxing at the hotel after storytelling about the ... Read more

Raymond Henderson

2019, Crystal City, Arlington, VA, USA

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Yolanda Bell

Aliyah Khan

Comments:

Raymond Henderson

Posing for the last head shot before the pandemic Posing for the last head shot before the pandemic Posing for the last head shot before the pandemic

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$4,031.00

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Created with love by Makeda Martin (Arthuretta's daughter).

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